Simple Steps to Keep a Clean Home
Choose an appropriate box. This point cannot be stressed enough. Your cat should want and be able to use the litter box.
If you have a kitten, then the sides of the box should be low enough where she can enter and exit easily.
If you have multiple cats, then you need multiples litter boxes. Each cat should have her own.
Try to get one that has a removable hood. Many cats like the extra privacy, while others do not. Since you do not know yet, it's a good idea to buy one that has an optional hood.
Choose a good place for the box. You probably don't enjoy using the bathroom in the presence of your whole family, so apply this feeling to your cat. Most cats prefer going to the litter box at a quiet time when there are not many people around.
Don't place the litter box in the noisiest area of your home. Instead, find a quiet corner or bathroom. If you have a large house, then you may want to consider using more than one box for each cat.
If you have a dog, then he should not be able to access the litter box. First, he may try to bother your cat when she needs peace. Second, young puppies are known to eat what your kitten leaves behind.
Introduce your cat to the box. From watching their mothers, many kittens pick up on proper toilet training. Their natural instinct causes them to search for sand or loose dirt.
When you bring your cat home, place her in the litter box. Move her paws around so she can feel the litter as she scratches.
Repeat this process a couple of times throughout the day. You'd be surprised at how quickly your kitten learns.
If the kitten uses the bathroom in a place other than the litter box, then don't get angry. She won't understand why you are angry. Instead, thoroughly clean the area and reintroduce her to the box again.
Avoid common problems.